Baltimore County High School Student Mistakenly Handcuffed After AI Security System Alert

In a recent incident at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, a student was handcuffed and searched after an AI-powered security system misidentified a bag of snacks as a potential firearm.

Incident Overview

Taki Allen, a student at the school, recounted the event to a local CNN affiliate, WBAL. He stated, “I was just holding a Doritos bag—using both hands and one finger out—but they claimed it resembled a gun.” Following this misunderstanding, Allen was instructed to kneel, placed in handcuffs, and detained by school authorities.

School’s Response

In an official communication to parents, Principal Katie Smith explained that the security department had analyzed the alert triggered by the AI system and subsequently canceled it. However, Smith, not yet aware of the cancellation, informed the school resource officer, who involved local police in the situation.

Statement from Omnilert

Omnilert, the company responsible for the AI gun detection mechanism, responded to the incident by expressing regret over the misunderstanding. In a statement, they conveyed their concern for Allen and the broader school community affected by this event. Nonetheless, the company emphasized that “the process functioned as intended,” indicating that the system was operating within its designed parameters.

Conclusion

This incident raises important questions about the efficacy and reliability of AI surveillance systems in schools. The response from the school and the comments from Omnilert highlight the ongoing dialogue surrounding school safety protocols and the implementation of technology in educational environments.